Donald Francis Mcgrath, Jr.

DONALD “MAC” MCGRATH JR. STAUNTON, VA… Donald “Mac” Francis McGrath Jr, passed away peacefully at home on December 7th, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, with family by his side. Born on March 16, 1948 in Paris, France, to the late Donald Francis McGrath Sr. and Claudine Gabrielle Guillemard, “Mac” was the oldest of three brothers. They moved to Trenton, NJ, when he was 13 years old, where he lived until he enlisted in the US Marine Corps when he turned 18. He served two tours in Vietnam as a Combat Air Crewman, cherishing the relationships built and proudly carrying the lessons he learned through his lifetime, and passing them on to his children. And as “Mac” could often be heard saying, “Ooh-rah”. Semper Fi. “Mac” met and married his first wife, Marcia Gryska, while attending SUNY Fredonia in 1973, and began a family that included four daughters. He became a news photographer in Buffalo, NY, where he won many awards for his journalism and was part of the exposure of the Love Canal environmental disaster. He eventually moved into Information Technology, enjoying nearly 30 years with Comcast, most recently in their Spotlight division. His accolades were many, and he was loved and well respected by his colleagues. Settling down in Staunton, VA, in 1994, “Mac” met and fell in love with Leslie Rohr, who would become his second wife and mother to their son. He found tremendous joy in being part of the community in Staunton. He took great pride in his involvement with the Boys Scouts of America. He was the Vice President of the Sports Booster club at Robert E. Lee High School, where he was well known and admired by the many students he encouraged at every opportunity including his son who is also a student there. It was with incredible honor that “Mac” had served as a past Commandant of the Stonewall Detachment of the Marine Corps League, devoting many hours to Toys for Tots. He also had a decades long passion for Ham Radio and was a lifetime member of the American Radio Relay League. “Mac” is survived by his wife, Leslie Rohr, and son Thomas, of Staunton, daughters Brigitte (Tim) Page, of Fayetteville, NY, Catherine (Keith Johnson) McGrath, of Rochester, NY, Darien (Enrique) Molina, of Taberg, NY, Erin (Rob Pawluk) McGrath, of Little Falls, NY, brothers Patrick (Julie), McGrath, of Aberdeen, MD, and Eric (Kathy) McGrath, of Layton, UT. There are many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that mourn his passing. Visitation will be held January 6th, 2017, 6-8pm at Henry Funeral Home, 1030 West Beverley St., Staunton. Service, January 7 at 2pm, also at Henry Funeral Home. Following the service, the family will gather for the Celebration of Life at the Memorial Baptist Church, 224 Taylor St. Memorials may be made in “Mac’s” honor to www.curemeso.org or https://www.augustahealth.com/foundation/make-a-gift . Condolences may be sent to the family online at http://www.henryfuneralhome.net .